Modi documentary row: Delhi HC Summons BBC in Connection to Gujarat-based NGO’s defamation Suit

British Broadcasting Company has been summoned by Delhi High Court on Monday. The summon was issued in connection toa defamation suit claiming that its two part documentary ‘India: The Modi Question’ cast a slur on India’s reputation, as well as that of its judiciary and Prime Minister.

The defamation suit was filed by a Gujarat-based non-profit organisation named Justice on Trial. Senior Advocate Harish Salve appeared for the organisation.

The plea contended that the documentary also makes insinuations against the prime minister. It was argued on behalf of the plaintiff that the documentary makes defamatory imputation and cast slur on the reputation of the country.

“It is contended that the said documentary makes defamatory imputation and caste slur on reputation of the Country and Judiciary and against the Prime Minister of India. Issue notice to the respondents through all permissible modes,” Justice Sachin Datta ordered.

Besides the BBC (UK), Justice Sachin Datta also issued notice to the BBC (India) seeking its response on the suit filed by Gujarat-based NGO Justice for Trial.

Earlier a district court in Delhi had issued summons to the BBC on a defamation suit filed by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Binay Kumar Singh in relation to its documentary.